Shad Balch - Environment & Energy Specialist

Name: Shad Balch

Place of Birth: Hayward, California

Age: 35

Year, Make and Model of Your first car/truck: 1980 International Scout II

Occupation: Environment & Energy Specialist

Employer: General Motors Corporation

What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? Professional off-road race driver

How long have you worked in the auto industry? I was born head-first right into the auto industry. My dad was a professional off-road racer, so I literally grew up around trucks and dirt (my favorite combo, still), which eventually lead to the start of my own racing career when I was 15. Professionally, I've worked in the auto industry for about 2 years now with General Motors.

What do you drive now? 2007 Chevy Avalanche and 2006 Nissan 350 Z

Are you out at work? Yes

Was being gay ever an issue at any of your jobs? Prior to General Motors I was heavily involved in California politics and held various communications positions for republican Govs Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was young and dumb and assumed gay and republican mixed like water and oil. Turns out gay makes Republican better!

If you had one piece of advice to give to a gay person wanting to work in the auto industry, what would it be?
Do it! Life's too short to comtemplate doing something you love.

Ok, here is the fun part; if you had $25,000 and had to buy a new car, what would it be and why? 1970 Chevy Blazer - ideal project truck that'll last forever. Topless, shiny, fast, loud, legit off-road capes, premium sounds, all of it.

Same question but bigger budget; $50,000:
Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

If money was no object and you had to drive it every day:
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

What is your favorite car of all time and why?
Early CJ7s. Totally redefined 4-wheel drive and created a segment for rugged, purpose-built vehicles. Collapsable windshields, vinyl tops and doors, and clamped-down hoods -- true fit and finish, if you ask me.

If your car/truck could talk, what would it say about you?
"He needs to calm down… "

Finally, why do you want to be featured on Gaywheels.com?
Gaywheels is a fantastic bridge that creates a non-traditional pair - I want to be a part of it.

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